By Sakanihomes
What Commercial Spaces Match Your DED License in Dubai?
Choosing the wrong commercial property in Dubai can delay your business launch, or worse, prevent you from getting your license approved at all.
If you're setting up a business with a DED license in 2025, it's critical to understand where that license is legally allowed and which property types are compatible with your activity. Here's the complete guide to making the right match.
What is a DED License?
A DED license is issued by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and grants you the legal right to operate a business in mainland Dubai. This is the most common license for companies that want to trade, offer services, or work with clients across the UAE.
As of 2025, DED licenses cover thousands of business activities across professional, commercial, and industrial categories. But the type of activity listed on your license must match the physical space you operate from.
Where Can You Use a DED License in 2025?
DED licenses are meant for mainland-zoned commercial properties, but the landscape has evolved.
You can operate with a DED license in:
Mainland buildings (Ejari-registered and DET-approved)
Some free zone buildings, but only with special DET approval or a mainland branch license
Many business owners mistakenly assume they can open in any office tower or shopfront. But free zones like DMCC, DAFZA, and Tecom have their own rules, and you can’t operate with a standard DED license unless the building has been explicitly cleared for it.
✅ Matching Your DED Activity to the Right Property Type
Here’s how to choose the correct space based on your DED license activity category:
1. Office Spaces (Professional Activities)
Best for: Consultancies, tech startups, law firms, design studios, marketing agencies, accountants
Where to lease:
Business Bay
Barsha Heights (Tecom – with DET approval)
Sheikh Zayed Road
Al Garhoud
Karama (for small offices)
What to check:
The building is licensed for mainland use
You receive a valid Ejari certificate with your lease
The size meets minimum space requirements (approx. 100–150 sq ft per employee for approval)
2. Retail Shops (Commercial Activities)
Best for: Mini-marts, cafés, boutiques, electronics stores, florists, salons, laundromats
Where to lease:
Deira, Al Rigga
Al Barsha
JVC
Mirdif
Community retail centers (e.g. Discovery Gardens, International City)
What to check:
The shop is street-facing or has foot traffic access
Activity on your license matches the actual business use (e.g. don’t use a "grocery" license to operate a café)
Dubai Municipality approves the fit-out and signage
3. Salons, Spas, and Personal Care
Best for: Ladies salons, gents salons, nail spas, massage centers, Moroccan baths
Where to lease:
Al Barsha
Jumeirah
JVC
Downtown Dubai (for premium services)
Special requirements:
Gender-specific licenses must align with property use (e.g. “Ladies Salon” must have female-only service areas)
Municipality health & safety standards apply
Fit-out must include separate rooms for certain services like waxing or massage
4. Clinics and Medical Centers
Best for: Dental, dermatology, physiotherapy, general practice, cosmetic clinics
Where to lease:
Jumeirah
Barsha Heights
Business Bay
Dubai Healthcare City (with DHA license)
What’s required:
DHA approval (Dubai Health Authority) in addition to your DED license
Floor plans must meet healthcare layout standards
Dedicated rooms for each specialty (consultation, treatment, recovery, etc.)
5. Warehouses and Industrial Spaces
Best for: Storage, logistics, distribution, manufacturing, e-commerce fulfillment, auto services
Where to lease:
Al Quoz
Ras Al Khor
Dubai Investment Park (DIP)
Al Qusais Industrial
Jebel Ali Industrial (mainland section)
What to verify:
Your license activity aligns with the use (e.g. "Trading – Auto Parts" for a car parts warehouse)
DEWA power load matches your tenant’s operational needs (30–50+ kW for heavy equipment or cold storage)
You secure Civil Defense approval for fire safety
Loading docks, truck access, and mezzanines meet regulatory specs
6. Showrooms and Hybrid Retail/Storage
Best for: Furniture stores, car dealerships, large electronics retailers, building materials
Where to lease:
Sheikh Zayed Road
Umm Suqeim
Al Quoz (showroom clusters)
Key factors:
Property must have both retail visibility and warehouse licensing
Parking access, signage rights, and display areas must be approved
Large inventory may require separate storage facilities nearby
🛑 Spaces You Can’t Use with a DED License (Unless Approved)
As of 2025, DED license holders cannot operate in the following without special DET approval:
Free zone towers like DMCC, DAFZA, Dubai Internet City, or Dubai Media City
Residential apartments used as offices or clinics (this is illegal)
Shared coworking spaces unless they are registered with DET and provide you with an Ejari lease
Units in buildings that only allow free zone companies or offshore structures
Final Checklist Before You Sign a Lease
Is the space located in a Mainland or Free Zone?
Does your license activity match the use of the space?
Have you obtained DEWA, Civil Defense, and Ejari where required?
Will you need DHA, Dubai Municipality, or DET approval for your activity?
Are you leasing in a building approved for your specific business type?
At Sakani, we make this process simpler. Our commercial listings are clearly labeled as Mainland, Free Zone, or DET-permitted zones, so you only see properties compatible with your license.